Gas association plans to sue over listing of seals

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The Alaska Oil and Gas Association plans to sue over a federal decision to list as threatened two types of ice seals.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced in December that ringed seals and bearded seals in the Arctic Ocean would be protected under the Endangered Species Act. These joined polar bears as species listed as threatened by loss of sea ice.

The oil and gas group says in a news release that there is “no scientific evidence linking climate change now or in the future” to adverse effects on the seals. The group says scientific data indicate the populations are healthy. It also says there’s no evidence oil and gas activities pose a foreseeable threat to seals.

The group Tuesday gave its required notice of intent to sue.

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